The department was noted in the minutes to have said that “there are plans to transition” the rollout of the legislation, adding that “there will need to be a degree of pragmatism in years 1 and 2 of operation as the new systems and processes bed in”.
The ACP, which advises government on policy development on packaging recycling, meets quarterly with minutes then published around two months later.
Inside the last week, the minutes for May have been published which provide some insight into Defra’s thinking on EPR, which has been widely rumoured to be delayed beyond the current scheduled 2024 rollout date (see letsrecycle.com story).
While talks of a phased-in rollout have been discussed before, the meeting will add fuel to the already large fire that EPR will be delayed in some way. This could take the form of the legislation being rolled out but payments being delayed, though nothing has been confirmed. Defra reiterated last night that its stance remains “unchanged” on the 2024 rollout date.
Presentation
There were five attendees from Defra at the ACP meeting: Ian Atkinson, Linda Crichton, Vicky Burt, Helen Little and Simon Tomkins.
According to the minutes, Defra outlined in a presentation to the group that its priorities remain the drafting of the new EPR regulations, finalising governance arrangements and the scheme administrator and the comms and engagement related to the data statutory instrument and data reporting and supporting business readiness.
Questions
Adrian Hawkes, policy director at Valpak, then was recorded to have said that there are still “a lot of unanswered questions” from producers about EPR and a concern that things “might get overlooked in transition process, particularly distinguishing between HH (household) and non-HH packaging”. He warned there could be “huge problems in implementation and enforcement”.
Robert Fell, chief executive at Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association added in the meeting, according to the minutes, that many companies are still unaware of their obligations and there are concerns that data relating to packaging supplied will not be shared across the supply chain. Also a lack of clarity on fee rates which is important as payments are due from next year.
This is where Defra explained that there are plans to transition, and said it is arranging sessions with individual members and the ACP to cover issues of business readiness.
The Environment Agency said it is making plans to audit new data sets and manage drop offs etc and identifying high risk businesses. Plans are being put in place to increase staff resources and training post October.
Personnel
There was also an update on personnel changed at Defra.
Since the last meeting in February, Lynne Phillips has retired as a director at Defra, and a new Resources and Waste Directorate has been created. Dexter Davies and Dozie Chukudebelu will now be the Deputy Directors (DDs) for delivery (covering DRS, EPR and consistency), Chris Preston remains as policy DD, and Emma Bourne is new director of waste and resources. Nicola Hopley, who was food waste team leader at Defra has left, with her replacement being recruited.
The department continued to keep its cards close over consistency, saying the “intention remains to publish the government response as soon as possible”.
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